Admissions
Questions parents ask
The practical answers, straight from College policy.
At what ages does the College take boys?
The main entry point is Form 1 (after Grade 7). Boys are admitted to other forms, up to the Sixth Form, where places exist.
Is CBC only for Catholic families?
No. The College is Catholic and all pupils attend Mass and morning prayers, but boys of every background are welcomed and their traditions respected. Catholic pupils receive specific instruction in doctrine.
Must every boy play sport?
Yes: at least one sport per term unless medically excused with a doctor's note. Medically excused boys take two clubs instead and help administer sport.
How big are classes?
College policy is to keep classes to a manageable size, and to stream so that teaching meets each boy where he is.
What curriculum does the College follow?
University of Cambridge syllabuses, leading to IGCSE/O Levels at Form 4 and A Levels at Upper Sixth, alongside ZIMSEC affiliation.
What about a boy who needs academic support?
The College runs a full-time remedial department. Boys are given diagnostic tests on arrival and timetabled individually or in small groups for support in English and Mathematics where performance is not matching potential. A staff counsellor is also available to every boy in confidence.
What must we buy?
Textbooks and stationery (a list is issued before each year), plus the school and sports uniforms on the uniform list. A homework diary is issued to every boy and billed with fees.
How is absence handled?
Any absence should be reported to the school office by telephone on the first day, and the boy brings a note explaining the absence on his return.
What are the school hours for juniors?
Forms 1 and 2 attend supervised prep from 13:05 to 13:40, Monday to Thursday, after normal lessons. A daily calendar of all activities is issued at the start of each term.
Is there homework?
Always. In the College's own words: there is no such thing as no homework. If nothing is set, there is revision, reading, consolidation and preparation for examinations.